Mor"dant (?), a. [F., p.pr. of mordere to bite; L. mordere. See Morsel.]
1.
Biting; caustic; sarcastic; keen; severe.
2. Dyeing & Calico Printing
Serving to fix colors.
© Webster 1913.
Mor"dant, n. [F., originally, biting.]
1.
Any corroding substance used in etching.
2. Dyeing & Calico Printing
Any substance, as alum or copperas, which, having a twofold attraction for organic fibers and coloring matter, serves as a bond of union, and thus gives fixity to, or bites in, the dyes.
3. Gilding
Any sticky matter by which the gold leaf is made to adhere.
© Webster 1913.
Mor"dant (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mordanted; p. pr. & vb. n. Mordanting.]
To subject to the action of, or imbue with, a mordant; as, to mordant goods for dyeing.
© Webster 1913.